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Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training
Learn how to maximize training gains with Tudor O. Bompa, the pioneer of periodization training, and Carlo A. Buzzichelli, one of the world’s foremost experts on training methods, in the sixth edition of Theory and Methodology of Training. Guided by the authors’ expertise, the sixth edition offers information central to understanding the latest research and practices related to training theory while providing scientific support for the fundamental principles of periodization.
The sixth edition of this definitive text presents a comprehensive discussion of periodization based on the philosophy of Tudor Bompa. It features the
• A review of the history, terms, and theories related to periodization
• Discussion of the importance of designing a sport-specific and competition-level annual plan and discarding any one-size-fits-all approach
• An expanded chapter on the integration of biomotor abilities within the training process
• Comprehensive updates to the information on training sessions, microcycles, and macrocycles
• An expanded chapter on the methods for developing muscle strength, including manipulation of loading variables and the conversion to specific strength
• A more detailed explanation of speed and agility training, differentiating between individual and team sports
In addition to applying periodization models to resistance training, Periodization also discusses sport-specific endurance. You’ll be introduced to different methods of testing and developing endurance, including the physiological basis for each method.
Instructors will also find a newly added image bank, allowing access to tables and figures in the text for use when creating lecture materials.
Theory and Methodology of Training presents the latest refinements to Bompa’s theories on periodization to help you create training programs that enhance sport skills and ensure peak performance.
The sixth edition of this definitive text presents a comprehensive discussion of periodization based on the philosophy of Tudor Bompa. It features the
• A review of the history, terms, and theories related to periodization
• Discussion of the importance of designing a sport-specific and competition-level annual plan and discarding any one-size-fits-all approach
• An expanded chapter on the integration of biomotor abilities within the training process
• Comprehensive updates to the information on training sessions, microcycles, and macrocycles
• An expanded chapter on the methods for developing muscle strength, including manipulation of loading variables and the conversion to specific strength
• A more detailed explanation of speed and agility training, differentiating between individual and team sports
In addition to applying periodization models to resistance training, Periodization also discusses sport-specific endurance. You’ll be introduced to different methods of testing and developing endurance, including the physiological basis for each method.
Instructors will also find a newly added image bank, allowing access to tables and figures in the text for use when creating lecture materials.
Theory and Methodology of Training presents the latest refinements to Bompa’s theories on periodization to help you create training programs that enhance sport skills and ensure peak performance.
- GenresFitnessNonfictionHealth
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
67 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 29, 2014
Must read if you're an S&C coach or personal trainer. This is a text book / theory based approach, so don't expect specific 'do this' type material. If you're looking for specific programs, you're better off looking into Bompa's Periodization for Sports, Serious Strength Training, Practical Programming for Strength Training, Tactical Barbell, or Wendler's 5/3/1.
I'm a certified trainer (NSCA-CPT/CSPS), and when Bompa writes - I read.
Easy 5 stars if you want an in-depth understanding of strength science.
I'm a certified trainer (NSCA-CPT/CSPS), and when Bompa writes - I read.
Easy 5 stars if you want an in-depth understanding of strength science.
October 10, 2016
Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training
Tudor O. Bompa, PhD, York Univ. and G. Gregory Haff, PhD, West Virginia Univ.
This book is clearly for coaches, trainers, scientists, and others who guide athletic performance.
As one interested on personal fitness, I found it helpful for:
- planning my workouts over time,
- how and when to introduce variety, and
- a better understanding of volume and loading patterns.
Notes while reading:
=== Part 1. Training Theory
Chap 1. Basis for Training
Chap 2. Principles of Training
Good discussion of loading, includes linear loading, stepped loading, and other options. Helpful visuals wrt micro-cycles
Chap 3. Preparation for Training
Chap 4. Variables of Training
Volume, intensity, recovery.
volume = sets x reps x resistance
Intensity Table:
6 >100 % Supermaximal
5 90-100 Maximum
4 80-90 Heavy
3 70-80 Medium
2 50-70 Low
1 <50 Very Low
Chap 5. Rest and Recovery
=== Part 2. Periodization of Training
Chap 6. Annual Training Plan
Lots of material here. Would be very helpful to coaches and team sports, as well as individuals. Mostly about competition.
Chap 7. Peaking for Competition
Good discussion of volume vs. intensity, vs. technique.
Good info on peaking.
Chap 8. Training Cycles
Lots of discussion on microcycles and some on macrocycles. Probably very helpful for coaches.
Chap 9. Workout Planning
=== Part 3. Training Methods
Chap 10. Strength and Power Development
Good visuals for force (strength) vs. speed vs. endurance for various sports.
Factors affecting strength:
- Motor unit recruitment
- Motor unit rate coding
- Motor unit synchronization
- Stretch shorting cycle
- Neuromuscular inhibition
- Muscle fibre type (fast twitch, or type 2, is better for strength, but can be trained for.)
- Muscle hypertrophy
The authors provide examples of volume calculations and suggested volumes for various sports.
Good discussion of sets vs. reps vs. intensity vs. rest
Training frequency and loading patterns are also addressed.
This was probably the most helpful chapter for weight lifting.
Chap 11. Endurance Training
Chap 12. Speed and Agility Training
Tudor O. Bompa, PhD, York Univ. and G. Gregory Haff, PhD, West Virginia Univ.
This book is clearly for coaches, trainers, scientists, and others who guide athletic performance.
As one interested on personal fitness, I found it helpful for:
- planning my workouts over time,
- how and when to introduce variety, and
- a better understanding of volume and loading patterns.
Notes while reading:
=== Part 1. Training Theory
Chap 1. Basis for Training
Chap 2. Principles of Training
Good discussion of loading, includes linear loading, stepped loading, and other options. Helpful visuals wrt micro-cycles
Chap 3. Preparation for Training
Chap 4. Variables of Training
Volume, intensity, recovery.
volume = sets x reps x resistance
Intensity Table:
6 >100 % Supermaximal
5 90-100 Maximum
4 80-90 Heavy
3 70-80 Medium
2 50-70 Low
1 <50 Very Low
Chap 5. Rest and Recovery
=== Part 2. Periodization of Training
Chap 6. Annual Training Plan
Lots of material here. Would be very helpful to coaches and team sports, as well as individuals. Mostly about competition.
Chap 7. Peaking for Competition
Good discussion of volume vs. intensity, vs. technique.
Good info on peaking.
Chap 8. Training Cycles
Lots of discussion on microcycles and some on macrocycles. Probably very helpful for coaches.
Chap 9. Workout Planning
=== Part 3. Training Methods
Chap 10. Strength and Power Development
Good visuals for force (strength) vs. speed vs. endurance for various sports.
Factors affecting strength:
- Motor unit recruitment
- Motor unit rate coding
- Motor unit synchronization
- Stretch shorting cycle
- Neuromuscular inhibition
- Muscle fibre type (fast twitch, or type 2, is better for strength, but can be trained for.)
- Muscle hypertrophy
The authors provide examples of volume calculations and suggested volumes for various sports.
Good discussion of sets vs. reps vs. intensity vs. rest
Training frequency and loading patterns are also addressed.
This was probably the most helpful chapter for weight lifting.
Chap 11. Endurance Training
Chap 12. Speed and Agility Training
November 17, 2019
It was not my plan to read Bompa's Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training. I read Periodization Training for Sports by Tudor O. Bompa and Carlo A. Buzzichelli in 2018 and that was supposed to be it. My budget for topics on periodization was depleted and Periodization Training for Sports seemed exhaustive enough for my purposes. Link to my review: bit.ly/2CNzofD.
But Bompa's Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training landed in my lap unexpectedly about a month ago and I read it with gusto. I was warned several years ago that it was complex and difficult, but there is nothing complicated about it. It is a beautifully and systematically written work erected on the foundations of common sense and logic. The writing is simple yet proficient. The edition was in Croatian and that was another plus: All my books on sports, physiology, and training are in English, so my sports jargon in Croatian is almost non-existent. One of the best reads of 2019.
But Bompa's Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training landed in my lap unexpectedly about a month ago and I read it with gusto. I was warned several years ago that it was complex and difficult, but there is nothing complicated about it. It is a beautifully and systematically written work erected on the foundations of common sense and logic. The writing is simple yet proficient. The edition was in Croatian and that was another plus: All my books on sports, physiology, and training are in English, so my sports jargon in Croatian is almost non-existent. One of the best reads of 2019.
March 6, 2021
Without question, one of the greatest training prescription textbooks of all time. Was a game-changer when the first edition was released when I was back in college studying exercise physiology. All of a sudden the "secrets" of the Eastern Bloc training methods were being exposed and this was the definitive text of those methods. Bompa's work has had a huge impact on my own coaching &, I would suggest, a huge impact on coaching in general across a wide range of sports. His influence on other coaches/books in my domain (e.g. Joe Friel's Training Bible series is clear). I would give the print edition 5 stars without hesitation. However, the kindle edition is 'slimmed down'/significantly edited. Still, worth having as an "on the go" reference in my opinion.
May 7, 2025
Excellent read. While it didn't say anything too groundbreaking, it did talk about training in a simple, effective way. Once again, these older textbooky running books don't talk too much about running but focus on skiing, swimming, etc... but still a lot to get out of it.
May 15, 2024
I finished this book in January but for like 10 pages so here we are
July 19, 2025
Great book for anyone interested in Sports Performance and Conditioning.
November 3, 2011
I've read this book on a recommendation of my colleague. This is THE bible of training and I would recommend it to everyone seeking for detailed insights into one of most popular and successful theories of training.
March 19, 2015
Essentials of Periodization and beyond.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews